Peaks, Temples, and Traditions: Rani's Unforgettable Journey Through Nepal
Family is everything, but as life gets busy, we often forget to spend enough time with them. That’s exactly what had happened to us. Between work, school, and life, our family time had started to shrink.
I was discussing the same with my mother one day when she said something that really stuck with me, “Beta, we’re getting older. Let’s make memories and utilise the time we have while we still can.”
That little sentence was like a wake-up call for me. I realized work could wait, but this precious time with my family couldn’t. So, I reached out to a friend at Thrillophilia to plan a family getaway, just so we could spend some quality time together. And before we knew it, we had planned a trip to Nepal- a place known for its stunning mountains, peaceful temples, and rich culture.
Honestly, the trip turned out to be exactly what we needed and so much more than that. From the lively streets of Kathmandu and the mesmerising sunrise at Sarangkot to the thrilling wild safari in Chitwan, every moment was unforgettable.
For me and my family, this trip to Nepal wasn’t just a vacation, it was a reminder of what truly matters. This review is all about the wonderful memories we created together as a family and how it gave us a chance to reconnect-
Soulful Streets of Kathmandu
Kathmandu, a place where chaos and culture coexist beautifully. As per our mother’s request, our first stop was the Swayambhunath Stupa, or commonly known as the ‘Monkey Temple’. At the temple, we climbed endless steps (literally), dodging playful monkeys around us.
Maa clung to my arm, panting, “Are we reaching heaven or what?” We took a short break to catch our breaths, a mischievous monkey snatched my sister’s chips. Initially, all of us were alarmed and then we burst into fits of laughter.
After what felt like an eternity, when we finally reached the top, we were rewarded with a panoramic view of Kathmandu which looked nothing less than a painting. Looking into Buddha’s calm eyes at the stupa, Maa whispered a prayer and I watched how her voice beautifully blended with the hum of chants.
The spiritual journey continued at Pashupatinath Temple during the evening aarti. The reflection of oil lamps on the Bagmati River and the rhythmic chants had even Dad, who calls himself a non-believer, admitting, “There’s something so captivating about this.”
Discovering the Best of Pokhara
From the moment we arrived, Pokhara stole our hearts. The highlight of our day was waking up at 5 AM to catch the sunrise at Sarangkot. Initially, my sister and I hated to wake up this early, but I am so glad we did- the views were breathtaking!
As soon as the first rays hit the snow-capped peaks, my entire family stood in awe. The greenery, the sound of birds, and the gentle breeze made the hike feel like a dream.
We spent the rest of the day exploring Pokhara- boating on Phewa Lake, strolling around the lakeside, and enjoying the view of the Himalayas from every angle. "This is exactly what I needed," I sighed, sitting by the lake, watching the mountains reflect off the water.
Wild Encounters in Chitwan
From mountains to the jungle, Chitwan National Park was a wild adventure. My sister and I were eager for some wild encounter and hoped to spot tigers, lions and elephants up close. My mother, on the other hand, was very skeptical of this idea and continuously said, “What if something happens…?” Contrary to her, my dad was pretty chill, however, only worried about harmful insects and leeches.
The safari was absolutely mindblowing- a herd of deer grazing, crocodiles lazed near the river, and a wild elephant made a dramatic entrance. When it got closer, my sister clutched my arm like her life depended on it but laughed nervously as soon as it wandered off.
Unfortunately, we did not get to see a tiger, but Chitwan gave us something more- a pure, unfiltered connection to nature. The sounds of crickets, rustling leaves, and the soothing chirping of birds stayed with us long after.
Tea and Timeless Memories
Back in Kathmandu, we found a local café which offered the perfect views of the mountains and the lush green valleys. There we ordered some freshly brewed coffee and some snacks. While sipping on hot coffee and recalling the trip, Maa admitted, “I haven’t felt this happy in years.”
Dad joked about becoming a wildlife photographer, and my sister surprised me with a rare compliment, “Good job planning this.”
As we boarded the flight home, Dad leaned over and said, “Let’s make this a yearly thing.” I smiled at my dad and replied, “Of course, next time why don’t you decide the place?
Whether we actually manage to arrange an annual trip or not, Nepal taught us one thing- it’s not about the places you visit but the people you share them with. This simple trip turned out to be so special for all of us, leaving us with memories that we will cherish forever. Thank you, Thrillophilia!
Read More: Thrillophilia Nepal Reviews